In Loving Memory of
Michael Henry Dempsey
1956 - 2009

Condolences  Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6 |  Page 7  |  Page 8
NOTE: To submit words of condolences, thoughts, prayers or photos for Shannon, little Henry and the Dempsey family, please fill in the box at the right. Once submitted, they will be posted below.

I'm proud to be part of Mike's gigantic family of friends. Probably way more than we can know or imagine. Here's one of my favorite memories: In 2000 when the Olympic Trials were held in SD, Mike comes up to me and says "Hey Phil, I'm having a party at my place. I hope you can make it." He then hands me an envelope, which I stuff unopened in my gym bag. I say, "Great. Do I need to bring anything?" At this point, I'm thinking a 12 pack of 7-up and some chips. More like the days when he lived in La Jolla; party with the pong table in the center, etc. Mike says, "Nope. Shannon and I have everything taken care of. Just show up." Now, this little line contained so many classic Mike-isms. He smiled like there was perfect harmony in the world, was almost too soft spoken, and of course ever the gentleman in every gesture and intent. Needless to say, for those that attended this "party", it was a good sized event. Ron Spencer and I carpool up there, so as we are nearing the Dempsey residence (in Olivenhain at the time), we're struck by the amount of people, vehicles, and catering going on in and around their humble abode. The street is full of traffic from a few hundred yards back. So, as I'm trying to find a parking place, we decide to just go all the way up, make a U-y in the driveway, park way down the street, and hoof it back. Well, as we're pulling to the front door, Mike is out front and says, "Hey Phil, why don't you guys just park right here?", pointing to an open spot near his Mustang. What am I going to say, no?! Now this is where it becomes fuzzy for me; mixed emotions galore. I would be remiss not to tell the part about eating steak(s) with the Umel's at the main table. Having a great meal, laughing and sharing with great friends, and I'd head to the kitchen for a Coke, again there was Mike with that smile, asking if I/we needed anything at all. We were already treated like royalty. I'm thinking to myself, "Mike, I don't even deserve this. How can you ask that? How big is your heart?" Well, to say that Mike Dempsey is an inspiration and was a great person is like saying McDonalds sells hamburgers. So I head back to the table, probably into dessert at this time. As we're talking, some guy comes walking swiftly to head out to the pool area; straight into the sliding glass door! Ouch. He bounced off it and his head snapped back quickly like a slinky. Such is how it is with Mike's passing to me. Quickly, without warning. I'm still in shock to say the least, and of course have only good to great memories of Mr. Dempsey. I talked to him, Shannon and Henry at the SD tournament this past weekend, as we had played the past few prior weekends at the club. Henry was retrieving Nittaku's and bouncing around and underneath the table. God Bless you my friend. I will miss you. In my personal virtual dictionary of life terms, all of them have words to describe them. However, next to the word Inspiration there are none... Just a picture of you!!! ~ Phil Davila  /  San Diego, CA

A one of a kind man and a one of a kind friend. May each of us endeavor to live up to the example he has set before us. We will miss you Mike. ~ Ron Spencer  / San Diego, CA

This is such a huge shock to us, we just saw Mike less than a week ago at a table tennis tournament. He was one of the best people that our family has ever known, and we are very sadden by this loss. May all the great memories that we've all had with Mike, give his friends and family the strength to get through this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Shannon & his son Henry. ~ Umel Family  / San Diego, CA

It was an absolute pleasure to have known Mike. He was a such a gentleman every time I met him at the San Diego Open. We'll never forget his smile and uplifting spirit. ~ Tom Nyguen / NATT

I will remember Mike always as a great table tennis friend, colleague, and champion. My prayers are with the Dempsey family. ~ Mike Veillette, Mich.  /  veillette@cavtel.net

Mike is a great champion and a great individual.  He will very much be missed. ~ Tahl Leibovitz  / New York

Mike, I'm going to miss you such a inspiration off and on the court. Love ya. ~ Mike Gift  / San Diego, CA

I would have to say that playing Mike for the first time and losing to him, was the first time I thought about "thinking" during a game, it was difficult for me to understand how someone can be so good sitting in a chair. Over the years I became very friendly with Mike and performed an exhibition or two with him during my 36 years of being involved in the sport. I never in the entire time knowing him, saw a bad bone in his body. I am so saddened he left us at such an young age. We are so sorry to hear about Mike's passing, he was a good friend, warm person, and full of life. We will miss him. My condolences to his family... ~ The Scott Preiss Family  / CO

I had the great pleasure to know Mike and compete against him over 30 years ago. He impressed me in a way that remains with me until this day, and I am certain he will forever more. ~ Joseph Rokop  / Tampa, FL  /  rokop@earthlink.net

Mike was an extraordinary human being who was the most positive person I have ever met.  There was always a smile on his face and in his heart.  I shall miss him.  I was fortunate to have seen him at the tournament on Sunday and shake his hand for the last time. ~ Waqidi Falicoff

Mike Dempsey had a many great gifts. One of the greatest table tennis players I have ever seen, and a great champion. But his greatest gift was that somehow, when you were around him, he made you feel like a winner. A true champion. His smile, his genuine warmth... I truly believe that Mike Dempsey is the greatest champion I will ever know. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts to all those who knew and loved him... ~ Perry Schwartzberg  /  Houston, TX

I am saddened by the sudden loss of Michael.  He was a gentlemen and champion whose smile lit the hall. He will be sorely missed. ~ Gil Simons  / CA /  gilbert@gsimons.org

My heart goes out to Mike's family during this time of sorrow. One of the reasons I keep coming back to the SDTTA is because of the people and friends I've made. Mike always had nice things to say to me and offered great advice. I only caught a glimpse of him on Sunday and wished I had taken the extra few minutes to say hello. May God be with you all. RIP, Mike - you are a true legend and will be sorely missed. ~ Andrew Murray  / Santee, CA  /  biffbjjmma@yahoo.com

Mike was the greatest American Wheelchair TT player in history.  He was a teammate, competitor and friend to many throughout his nearly 40 years in Paralympic Sport.  He, along with Stefan Trofan of England, will be missed greatly.  RIP Mike. ~ Kent Anderson  / Sterling Heights, MI  /  rollingwheelie@hotmail.com

My Condolences. ~ Olga Kahan  / Laguna Woods, CA

There is no way I can convey the incredible memories I will hold close to my heart, of a man that gave so much to the sport and the people he touched throughout his life. My heart goes out to Shannon and Henry whom he adored. Hey Mike please say hi to my mom whom you knew so well. ~ Terese Terranova  / Ft Lauderdale, FL / terese126@hotmail.com

Thank You to those who have shared your thoughts, memories & condolences.

Sir Philip Craven MBE / IPC President
Christian Lillieroos / Coach
Pam Ramsey  / USTTF / CTTHOF
Gary Hranek  / Former SDTTA Pres
Dr. Mike Lardon
Larry Thoman  / Newgy
Raul, Earl, DJ & John Alto
Marco Borrillo
Llly Yip & Barry Dattel
Jennifer Johnson / AWTTA Pres
Dick Evans / USTTA Hall of Fame Pres
Phil Davila
Ron Spencer
Umel Family
Tom Nyguen  / NATT
Mike Veillette
Tahl Leibovitz
Mike Gift
Scott Preiss Family
Joseph Rokop
Waqidi Falicoff
Perry Schwartzberg
Gil Simons
Andrew Murray
Kent Anderson
Olga Kahan
Terese Terranova
Donn Olsen
Pam Fontaine
Terry Tierney
Juan Carlos Acosta Villanueva / Peru
Gary Kerr
Rod Williams
Diana Gee
Bill Hodge
Sai Kwok
Marty Ball
Joe & Debbie Quigg
James Hall
Mike Shepard
Margita Homolova / Slovakia
Yim & Betty Gee
Steve Goldman
 Rodel Valdoria
Michael Baltaxe
Christy Shimono
Philip Van De Wiele
Liz DeFrancesco
Mabel Zafra
Sharon Frant Brooks
Rich Kaufmann
Rudi Hajek / Austria  
Peizhen Shao & Marty Young
Jackie DiLorenzo
Alan Williams / NATT
Mary and Bruce Boegel
Mitch Rothfleisch
Mitchell Seidenfeld
Tom & Marilyn Miller
Bob Szyman
Andy O'Sullivan / New Zealand
Will & Carolyn Pau
Rick Hayden
David Strang
Christopher Lynch
Kathy Baker
California Table Tennis Hall of Fame
Stuart Caplin
Tracy Conway
Jock Oubicon
Waqidi & Leslie Falicoff
Mike Efferson
Carlo Brignardello
Chris Sparks  /  Australia
Paul Davison
Carl Danner / USTTF
American Airlines  /  San Diego
Mike Meier
Darrell Ray
Connie Head
Bill Sparks
Judy Einbinder
Ruth Rowsenbaum
Gina Biter
Ly Family
James Therriault
Wendy Fletcher Dick
Roy Gash
Joe Segal
Ryan Militante
Gary Whiddon
Miriam Lawrence
Jo Dempsey Foster

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